By Barbara Ortutay
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, is calling for “immediate action” by tech companies and lawmakers to protect kids’ and adolescents’ mental health on social media. But after years of middling and insufficient action by both social media platforms and policymakers, parents and young people still bear most of […]

By Ken Kellar
Staff writer
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Those who used to work at the Fort Frances Mill, surrounding forests and wetlands, and now their caregivers are invited to the Fort Frances Legion on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, for the 11th annual Mill Alumni Banquet and Reception. Committee members and banquet organizers Bill Morrison, Herman Pruys and John […]

By Daniel Adam
Staff Writer
dadam@fortfrances.com

Rainycrest Long Term Care will be hosting a Senior Prom for their residents on June 23, 2023. Rainycrest resident experience and activation co-ordinator Calli Vandenbrand says the event is valuable in bringing joy to the residents. “Smiles can be the best medicine sometimes,” she says. “It’s just a day to […]

By Sammy Hudes
THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Bank of Canada is more concerned than it was a year ago about the risks posed by high household debt to the Canadian financial system as higher interest rates increase the cost of mortgages, according to its latest financial system review. Higher borrowing costs mean more households are expected […]

By James McCarten
THE CANADIAN PRESS

North America’s existential debate about the virtues and dangers of oil and gas pipelines faces a critical test today in Wisconsin. That’s where a district court judge will hear arguments about whether or not to shut down Line 5, a critical cross-border energy conduit between Canada and the U.S. The […]

By Allison Jones
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Ontario will announce Thursday that it is dissolving the Region of Peel, which includes the municipalities of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, senior government sources say. Mississauga and Brampton – some of the largest municipalities in the province – are set to become independent cities, but the sources did not say […]

By David Fraser
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said this week that if he became prime minister, his government would pass legislation to deny repeat violent offenders access to bail – and while the proposal speaks to Canadians’ deepening concerns about crime, experts suggest it would likely be unconstitutional. “A repeat violent offender, […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Many pool patrons were dismayed last winter when the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Complex stopped offering Aquafit classes. The classes are set to resume some time in the near future after an instructor has finished the training. Tyler Young, the town’s outgoing recreation and culture manager, says the hope is […]

By Elisa Nguyen 
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Only a few tree seedling bundles are remaining for residents interested in contributing to the ongoing protection and care of trees.  This season, white spruce and red pine seedling bundles of 20 are being sold by the Rainy River District Stewardship for $7, while supplies are limited.  Fiona Ryle, chair […]

By Robin McCormick
Special to the Times

May is Community Living Month in Ontario. Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas paid tribute to Community Living Fort Frances and District (CLFFD) with a flag raising on May 3, 2023. CLFFD has been an active part of the Rainy River District for over 65 years, and as CLFFD CEO Ted […]

By Robin McCormick
Devlin Correspondent

The Small Town Mardi Gras held Saturday evening by the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society at the Emo-LaVallee Arena was a huge success. Over 400 tickets were sold. Dinner was a traditional meal with jambalaya with rice, jambalaya with chicken and sausage, corn bread, noodles with a sauce and pork. […]